I was just reading another thread that mentioned flying for CASARA.
I contacted the London Unit a few months ago for a bit of information. Can anyone give me their first hand experiences with this association? Once I get my CPL finished (very very soon!) I wouldn't mind joining.
Thanks in advance!
CASARA
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, Right Seat Captain, lilfssister
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fingersmac
- Rank 7
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I volunteer with NOASARA which is the Northwestern Ontario unit of CASARA. We generally meet three times a month for training and we usually have an exercise once every 4-6 weeks. We also do some fundraising from time to time to help cover the operating costs associated with the unit. I'm working towards my CPL too, but I will not be flying for NOASARA any time soon. I'm training for two positions, spotter and navigator, and helping out with fundraising/odd jobs.
It is a difficult process to be checked out as a pilot with CASARA and because of this our unit only has a small handful of active pilots (only 2 I believe). The first hurdle that will hold most low-time pilots back is the 150 hrs PIC requirement. There is also extensive training which has to be undertaken before being qualified. Here is a little more info on the pilot position: http://www.casaraontario.ca/~webmaster1 ... s/T020.pdf
Don't let this discourage you from volunteering since it is always worth while to donate your time to the community.
http://www.casaraontario.ca/
It is a difficult process to be checked out as a pilot with CASARA and because of this our unit only has a small handful of active pilots (only 2 I believe). The first hurdle that will hold most low-time pilots back is the 150 hrs PIC requirement. There is also extensive training which has to be undertaken before being qualified. Here is a little more info on the pilot position: http://www.casaraontario.ca/~webmaster1 ... s/T020.pdf
Don't let this discourage you from volunteering since it is always worth while to donate your time to the community.
http://www.casaraontario.ca/
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canpilot
- Rank 7
- Posts: 522
- Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:08 am
- Location: Richmond B.C. Canada
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Hi!
I am a pilot with CASARA, in British Columbia's Southwest Zone. Out here, our pilot requirements are higher with 250PIC (150 PIC for comms. positions).
Presently, I am 21 and have been involved with CASARA for almost 5 years. I started out with a Private Pilots Licence working the radio's and other ground related tasks. Once I turned 19, I was bumped into a spotter and then navigator position shortly thereafter. Once I had accumulated the PIC time necessary I was put in a pilot's position. I find if you want to be a pilot they will make you do some time in the back seat, on the ground or in the right seat first. * I agree with this*
CASARA is an amazing organization! I haven't gone to a single meeting where I haven't learned something. Also, some of the senior pilots are ex bush and or Air Canada pilots. * great networking opportunity* I plan to maintain my involvement with this organization as long a possible!
* CASARA looks great on a resume too*
Hope this helps!
I am a pilot with CASARA, in British Columbia's Southwest Zone. Out here, our pilot requirements are higher with 250PIC (150 PIC for comms. positions).
Presently, I am 21 and have been involved with CASARA for almost 5 years. I started out with a Private Pilots Licence working the radio's and other ground related tasks. Once I turned 19, I was bumped into a spotter and then navigator position shortly thereafter. Once I had accumulated the PIC time necessary I was put in a pilot's position. I find if you want to be a pilot they will make you do some time in the back seat, on the ground or in the right seat first. * I agree with this*
CASARA is an amazing organization! I haven't gone to a single meeting where I haven't learned something. Also, some of the senior pilots are ex bush and or Air Canada pilots. * great networking opportunity* I plan to maintain my involvement with this organization as long a possible!
* CASARA looks great on a resume too*
Hope this helps!
Ditto on the previous comments. I,ve spent 12 or 13 years doin the Casara thing and I say go for it, cause it is a great way to build experience and support a very valid organization. I put an plane down 23 years ago and know what its like wonderin if someone is gonna find u.
I joined up soon after, and enjoyed the time I spent there as well I learned plenty. It is a great way to develop the skills you will need later on as a workin pilot.
When I was an air deputy some of my pilots rented A/C which they used with Casara and it allowed them to build time and get reembursed for the cost of the A/C. Need I say more.
I joined up soon after, and enjoyed the time I spent there as well I learned plenty. It is a great way to develop the skills you will need later on as a workin pilot.
When I was an air deputy some of my pilots rented A/C which they used with Casara and it allowed them to build time and get reembursed for the cost of the A/C. Need I say more.
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canpilot
- Rank 7
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- Location: Richmond B.C. Canada
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It entirely depends on the individuals position. For example, the zone commander or deputy zone commander/ area deputy will most likely spend a TON of time organizing stuff and trying to improve training.
Meanwhile, someone like myself who just does the flying on exercises twice a month could put in 14 hours a month. *in my case ,I fly for two zones* It also depends on how involeved you wish to become.
Last year, we had a TON of searches, crews were getting tired and being rotatated though like mad. This year, we haven't had that many JRCC call outs or PEP taskings. So the hours put forth by the joe crewmember outside of the exercises has been low. All depends on the year, your involvement and in many cases your level of training.
Meanwhile, someone like myself who just does the flying on exercises twice a month could put in 14 hours a month. *in my case ,I fly for two zones* It also depends on how involeved you wish to become.
Last year, we had a TON of searches, crews were getting tired and being rotatated though like mad. This year, we haven't had that many JRCC call outs or PEP taskings. So the hours put forth by the joe crewmember outside of the exercises has been low. All depends on the year, your involvement and in many cases your level of training.
It all really does depend on the specific organizations schedule.
We meet once a month, latley its been about 2, due to the military checking out the efficiency of the area, and the buffalo coming into town. (Even though it broke down in kelowna or something
.
Just last week we had a joint excercise with the RCMP in their Helicopter (AIR 1?)
We meet once a month, latley its been about 2, due to the military checking out the efficiency of the area, and the buffalo coming into town. (Even though it broke down in kelowna or something
.Just last week we had a joint excercise with the RCMP in their Helicopter (AIR 1?)
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scubasteve
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